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We stayed at Pachamama for 7 days and can only recommend it. Der Franz der kanns! Franz was very helpful in every way, the house that we stayed in was very romantic. For everybody visiting Mal Pais, this is the perfect place to stay, whether you are looking for a quiet retreat or a place to meet good people.

Stayed January 2013, traveled as a couple

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

The intensity of my work requires regular escapes into the quiet jungles of Costa Rica. I have visited Costa Rica 8 times in the last seven years and stayed in many places throughout the country. I have found an area (Mal Pais) that I will return to again and again and accomedations there that I will also use every time I go there - Pacha Mama (mother earth). The eco compound has beautiful gardens, a limited amount of friendly guests and many levels of relaxation. I can go zip lining, horseback riding or surfing or escape to my hammock with a book. If I want excitement - its there. If I want to be alone - that's available also. Great for solo travelers, couples or families. Good for young or old. Google Mal Pais Angela and look at the 4 minutes film and enjoy the flavor of Mal Pais. Peter Trent, Philadelphia, USA

Room Tip: Check out the web site for descriptions and pictures of the facilities

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Stayed January 2013, traveled solo

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Thank Peter T

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The whole area is filled with animals like howler monkeys, squirrels, parrots, white-face monkeys etc... You can do fishing, surfing, kite-surfing, shops, nice restaurents, walking on the beach, swim in the sea... Other activities are close like montezuma waterfalls, cabo blanco for hiking!

Stayed January 2013

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I stayed in Pachamama at the end of the low season traveling solo when it was fairly quiet in the town - Franz went out of his way to make me welcome and help orient me - a thoughtful and really chilled out host. I loved Mal Pais and Pachamama was the perfect accommodation for me - I stayed in a bungalow - simple, rustic and comfortable - authentic and full of soul - and good value. The jungle garden creates a beautifully harmonious setting - 3 nights weren't enough, Mal Pais is great - I didn't want to leave and plan to return, and if I do, I will head straight to Pachamama... Thanks Franz!

Room Tip: I saw all the room and they were all great!

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Stayed November 2012, traveled solo

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I'll try to keep it short … everything has been written about this place in previous reviews anyway.

My stay in Pachamama was amazing! My friends stayed there a few years ago and highly recommended it. So i went, instantly felt like being home and got stuck there like many before. A few days quickly turned into a few weeks and i'm already planing on going back in winter for a longer stay.

The owner Franz is a great host, he gave me great insider tips and was generally very helpful. The garden is well taken care of by Amancio. There you'll find a lot of plants and animals, right on your doorstep. On a little hill in the rear there's an incredible vista, ideal for watching picture perfect sunsets with the coast in the distance.

I stayed in on of the bungalows, very clean, nice bed and a small kitchen. Everything you need really.

If you're into surfing, there's a nice point break close by, just about 5min by foot. Very good and cheap local food (casado … yammy!) can be found just across the road.

One of the highlights while staying in Malpais was the newest addition to the Pachamama staff: Treetree! What a champ, you can't have a better, cuter neighbor than him. Check out the picture below and you'll know what i'm talking about.

If you're looking for a cozy, laid-back place to spent a few days (or weeks / months), make sure to put Franz's place on top of your list!

Stayed April 2012, traveled solo

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Don't miss an opportunity to stay here!!! Everything is possible at Pachamama – surf, yoga, bonfires on the beach at sunset, bbqs, fishing, hikes, day excursions, horseback riding, quad tours… along with peace, harmony and a taste of PURA VIDA! I lived at here for two months this past year and can’t say enough GREAT things about this place.

Besides the fact that you are living in a tropical paradise, the best thing about Pachamama are the people. The folks there ensured that my time with them exceeded my expectations. Franz knows all the sweet spots and will go out of his way to make his guests feel “at home”. Amancio takes phenomenal care of the gardens and never missed an opportunity to wish me a good day or to find out how I was doing. Marisol takes pride in her work as a housekeeper and made sure my bungalow was perfect for me every day. And having been there for two months, I met a lot of the guests, and the people who stay at Pachamama were also SUPER COOL and were an important part of my experience --- everyone wanted to make the most of their time in Mal Pais and were always ready for FUN!

When I was looking for accommodations, I wanted to stay somewhere where I could do my photography and cultivate my yoga practice, which meant I needed secure accommodations and a place that appreciated some solitude. Pachamama met both these criteria --- I felt safe at all times and my yoga practice became a daily part of the rhythm of life at Pachamama.

Some would consider the accommodations at Pachamama to be “basic” but there really isn’t a need for more in this climate. I stayed in one of the bungalows, which was equipped with a fridge, stove, bathroom (with a hot water shower), ceiling fan, hammock, outdoor eating area and a great bed. The bungalow was perfect for me – well organized, clean and private.

If you are looking for a laid-back, authentic experience in Mal Pais, get your @ss to Pachamama! It will likely be the best vacation you’ve ever had!

Stayed December 2011, traveled solo

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1Thank xoxoLu

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We stayed at Pachamama Nov. 16-20. We were in the house which I highly recommend. The house has all natural wood and the doors & windows open up to the outdoors. The upstairs room has big wooden doors that open up to a deck/outdor sitting area. We kept the doors open all night long, and in the morning we all enjoyed the deck, looking out at the jungle, animals while having our coffee. Franz the proprietor usually walked by to see how things were going. The house has a side patio with a built in BBQ. This is where we spent alot of evenings and down time. 2 racoons would come by for a visit. Franz the proprietor is very accommodating and helps in any way. He took our grandson out to cut down coconuts and help us sort out details with connecting with friends and family in Santa Teresa. We were in town for our daughters wedding and the house provided enought room and comfort for us to come back to at the end of the day to relax. We thought this might be our last trip to Costa Rica but after this experience I am sure Franz will be seeing us again. Maybe for our grandsons wedding some year.

Stayed November 2011, traveled with family

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Pachamama Houses and Bungalows is the perfect place for people who like sports, nature, sun and beach. Only 1 km away is Cabo Blanco, the first national park created in Costa Rica, in 1963.We have two bungalows, each with a double bed and shared terrace for $60 a night, monthly $1400. A third bungalow is on a second floor with a double bed and private terrace. All lodgings are fully equipped with hammock, kitchen, fridge, fan, private bathroom with hot water. The house for rent has air condition and is fully equipped. There are 2 bedrooms, a beautiful terrace with BBQ, outside shower, hammock for $140 per night, monthly $2800. We have wireless internet, security 24 hours, private parking and cleaning service. It is the best option, for relaxing and enjoying the nature. We have a lot of wildlife in our tropical garden: butterflies, exotic birds and monkeys hanging around in the trees, and our coati, a sort of raccoon, which always comes to pick up his breakfast from us. The bungalows and the house are about 50m from the beautiful and quiet beach of Mal Pais. Here surfers find perfect waves year round. Air temperature is 30-35 degrees and water 24-26. We offer surfboard rentals and surf lessons. I'm a passionate kite surfer and if there is coming up some wind I'm in the ocean with a 16 m2 Kite. The wind is 15-20 knots from January to May. It is possible to rent a small house for $80 a night as well. It is fully equipped in a very beautiful and quiet place only 200m from the beach. Perfect location for 2 people. Monthly $1500We can reserve a hotel and transfer in San Jose, or book you a rental car in San Jose or in Mal Pais....more less

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Pachamama Tropical Garden Lodge Costa Rica/Mal Pais

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